Zimbabwean woman jailed for Dagga possession

In a separate case before the Mbabane Magistrates Court, Zimbabwean National Stella Mabuto was sentenced to
five years in prison or a fine of E5,000 after being caught with 10.7 kilograms of cannabis.

Court records show that Mabuto admitted to travelling across the Ngwenya Border specifically to purchase dagga
for resale. She was arrested during a routine inspection, where police discovered the stash hidden in her luggage.

During sentencing, the presiding magistrate remarked that her honesty in confessing her intentions was unusual but
did not exempt her from punishment.

“The accused openly admitted that she came to Eswatini to buy cannabis for resale. While the court acknowledges
her frankness, the seriousness of the offence under the Pharmacy Act cannot be ignored,” the magistrate said.

Mabuto’s lawyer pleaded for leniency, arguing that she was a first-time offender and a single mother.
However, the prosecution pressed for a custodial sentence, citing the quantity of the drug and the clear intent to
distribute.

The court’s judgment underscored Eswatini’s tough stance on drug trafficking, particularly across borders. Mabuto
has the option of paying the fine but, failing that, will serve the five-year term.